HOPKINTON -- The state Department of Environmental Conservation is looking for public comment on plans to construct a connector road to open up access to areas of the Kildare Conservation Easement, Raquette River Wild Forest and the Raquette-Jordan Boreal Primitive Area.

The DEC is proposing to amend both the 5-mile conservation easement interim recreation management plan and the conservation easement portion of the Raquette Boreal Wild Forest unit management plan.

The amendment will allow construction of a connector road between the Five Mile and the Kildare CEs in the town of Hopkinton.

“This road will allow motor vehicle access for the first time to thousands of acres of the Kildare Conservation Easement. The public can use the road through the Five Mile Conservation Easement from May 1 through September 30 for recreational opportunities, such as hiking, mountain biking, nature observation, and fishing,” said Judy Drabicki, DEC regional director.

The project involves the construction of a new connector road approximately 1.25 miles in length.

The road will provide access to many miles of motor vehicle roads on the Kildare CE.

It will also provide non-motorized recreational access to the adjacent Raquette River Wild Forest and Raquette-Jordan Boreal Primitive Area.

The draft amendment plan can be found on the DEC website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/22573.html. Public comment on the draft amendment plan will be taken for 45 days beginning September 12, 2017 and ending October 27, 2017.

The public can submit comments via email: R6.ump@dec.ny.gov or in writing to Peter D’Luhosch, Conservation Easement Specialist, NYS DEC 6739 US Hwy. 11, Potsdam, NY 13676 or by calling 315-265-3090.